Intro Health Assessment

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and key concepts related to client assessment techniques in nursing, including data collection, assessment findings, and behavioral observations.

Objective data

Information obtained through direct assessment including inspection, percussion, palpation, and auscultation.

Subjective data

Information provided by the client in response to assessment questions.

Clinical judgments

Decisions made regarding the client's health needs based on collected data.

Assessment findings

Observations made during the assessment that indicate the client's health status.

Shortness of breath

A common symptom that may indicate respiratory distress.

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, often indicating airway narrowing.

Symmetry of facial features

Normal expected appearance of balanced features on either side of the face.

Expressionless face

An unexpected finding where the face appears devoid of emotion.

Affected findings

Observations that deviate from normal expected findings, indicating a potential issue.

Asymmetrical facial features

Features that are not balanced, which may indicate neurological problems.

Emotional state

An aspect of the client's assessment that reflects their mental wellbeing.

Expected findings in mood

Indicators such as relaxed posture and responsive communication.

Inappropriate affect

Emotional expression that does not match the circumstances.

Personal hygiene

The client's grooming habits, which can indicate their overall health.

Speech fluency

The ease with which a client can speak, significant for assessing neurological function.

Aphasia

Difficulty in speaking or understanding language; may indicate cerebral damage.

Mood assessment techniques

Methods to gauge the emotional state, including verbal and non-verbal cues.

Affect

The observable expression of a client's emotional state.

Personal hygiene indicators

Visual cues like clean clothing and grooming that reflect the health of a client.

Behavior during assessment

Actions and reactions observed in a client that provide insight into their mental state.

Skin assessment findings

Observations of skin that can indicate health conditions, including color and temperature.

Pulse assessment

Measuring heart rate and rhythm to evaluate cardiac health.

Tachycardia

An abnormally rapid heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate, typically under 60 beats per minute.

Blood pressure interpretation

Understanding systolic and diastolic pressures to assess cardiovascular health.

BMI

Body Mass Index, a measurement calculated using weight and height to classify body composition.

Vital signs

Measurements that provide critical information about a client's health status.

Hydration status

Indication of body fluid levels, often assessed through skin and mucous membrane appearance.

Auscultation

Listening to internal sounds of the body, normally using a stethoscope.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining core body temperature within a narrow range.

Pulse oximetry

A non-invasive method to measure the oxygen saturation of the blood.

Respiratory assessment

Evaluation of breathing patterns, rate, and overall respiratory health.

Diurnal variation

Fluctuations in body temperature or blood pressure that occur at different times of the day.

Orthostatic hypotension

A drop in blood pressure that occurs upon standing from a sitting or lying position.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.

Hyperthermia

Elevated body temperature resulting from excessive heat production.

Hypothermia

Abnormally low body temperature, often due to prolonged exposure to cold.

Pain assessment

Evaluating a client's perception of pain, including intensity and quality.

Visceral pain

Pain that originates from internal organs, often described as deep or cramping.

Somatic pain

Pain related to the musculoskeletal system, often described as aching or throbbing.

Chronic pain

Pain lasting longer than six months, possibly due to long-term conditions.

Acute pain

Pain that is temporary and typically associated with an identifiable injury.

PQRST method

A systematic approach to assess pain that includes Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing.

Numeric pain scale

A scale from 0 to 10 used to quantify a client's pain severity.

Behavioral indicators of pain

Non-verbal signs of discomfort such as grimacing, guarding, or flinching.

Cultural considerations

Recognition of cultural differences that may influence client assessments and interpretations.

Assessment tools

Equipment used to obtain objective data during health assessments.

Health condition indicators

Specific signs observed during assessment that suggest various health issues.

what three things should a nurse assess during a general survey

Speech gait level of consciousness

What information should a nurse collect during a general survey?

Height and weight behavior and mood assisted devices

A nurse is caring for a client who is comatose where should she get her the most accurate core body temperature

Rectal

Steps to take orthostatic blood pressure

Temperature in supine temperature then seated then temperature standing

What can decrease a clients respiratory rate?

Pain medicines, such as narcotics